The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

“On the occasion of Universal Children’s Day, I would like to reiterate the strong commitment of the European Union to the promotion and protection of children’s rights everywhere in the world.

The Convention on the rights of the child, which is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty, fundamentally changed the way the international community views children. This year, the EU lobbied globally for universal ratification of its Optional Protocols, which increase protection of children in armed conflict and fight against the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. I am pleased to see that, since the beginning of 2011, a dozen States have become parties to these Protocols and I hope that others will join soon.

Unfortunately, children’s suffering is still an everyday reality. Millions of children are exposed to conflict, violence and abuse, do not have access to drinking water or a safe home. Or their voices are simply not heard. I am therefore very pleased that the Nobel Peace Prize recently awarded to the EU will be used for the benefit of children in war and conflict zones. Next year, I plan to launch a campaign to fight violence against children. We will also continue our partnership with the United Nations and civil society to advocate respect of children’s rights worldwide.”